Over-the-counter prescription service lets Albertans skip the doctor's clinic

During spring in Alberta, we typically spend a lot of time thinking about the weather: if and when it’s going to snow and when the snow will finally melt to give way to a hot summer.

But this year, the pandemic has taken focus, hitting Alberta hard. Already, the province has seen more than 7,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, roughly 5,000 of which were found in Calgary. These figures, coupled with social distancing measures, have greatly impacted everyday life.

As a result, we’re seeking out ways to make our routines as efficient as possible. If you’re dealing with a health issue (inclusive of minor ailments and chronic conditions) and don’t like the idea of waiting in a stuffy doctor’s office, now you don’t have to — simply visit your nearest Rexall Pharmacy.

Specially trained prescribing pharmacists at Rexall stores can help you and issue a prescription to you quickly and safely. This means less time checking symptoms on the internet and faster, more accurate answers, and treatment from a professional.

Rexall Pharmacy

Albertans can find prescribing pharmacists at most Rexall Pharmacy locations across the province. The purpose of this new service is to help improve the health of Canadians by putting self-care back into your hands.

When you arrive at Rexall, the pharmacist on duty will have a brief consultation with you to assess your medical history and see if there are any potential contraindications (problems that could cause harm) with you taking a new medication. This helps ensure that the therapy is right and safe for you.

The prescribing pharmacist will also assess the ailment you think you might have to be sure that it is treated correctly and to check if any warning symptoms could require further lab testing or a physician referral.

After this point, when everything is assessed, the pharmacist can either prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs to treat both minor, self-diagnosed conditions, self-limiting disease conditions, and chronic illnesses. The health concerns and treatment options this covers include but are not limited to:

• Chronic eczema
• Birth control
• Cold sores
• Diaper rash
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma

In essence, Rexall pharmacists can prescribe all drugs except narcotics and controlled substances.

Rexall

Pharmacists at Rexall monitor and authorize the refill of existing prescriptions for Albertans to ensure effective care and the appropriate use of medications. If you run out of prescribed medication, Rexall pharmacists can administer an emergency supply to help you stay well.

They can also modify or adapt a prescription written by another prescriber if you are having challenges and not feeling the intended benefits. These interventions will provide you with therapeutic alternatives with the goal to improve drug therapy.

If you have an ailment or chronic condition now or in the future, save yourself time and energy by visiting your local Rexall. To learn more about the pharmacy services before then, head to rexall.ca.

Contact your Rexall location for availability of prescribing services.